To what extent did religious war contribute to secularism in governance?

Religious wars significantly contributed to the rise of secularism in governance by highlighting the need for religious neutrality.

Religious wars, particularly those in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, played a crucial role in the emergence of secularism in governance. The Wars of Religion in France, the Thirty Years' War in Germany, and the English Civil War were all, to varying degrees, driven by religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics. These wars caused immense suffering and destruction, leading many to question the wisdom of intertwining religion and politics.

The Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War, is often seen as a turning point. It established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio, which allowed the ruler of each state to determine its official religion. While this did not promote secularism directly, it did recognise the principle of state sovereignty and non-interference, which are key tenets of secular governance.

In England, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the Bill of Rights 1689, which limited the power of the monarch and guaranteed certain rights to the Parliament. This marked a shift towards a more secular form of governance, as it reduced the influence of the monarchy, which claimed divine right to rule.

The Enlightenment in the 18th century further promoted secularism. Philosophers like John Locke and Voltaire argued for the separation of church and state, and for religious tolerance. Their ideas influenced the American and French revolutions, both of which established secular governments.

In conclusion, religious wars contributed to the rise of secularism in governance by demonstrating the dangers of religious conflict and by prompting a rethinking of the relationship between religion and state. The resulting political changes, such as the Peace of Westphalia and the Glorious Revolution, along with the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment, laid the groundwork for the secular governments of today.